Course content

The application of the following knowledge to analyse the response of the body to physical activity.

A general overview of the skeletal system. Types of joints, movements and muscle structure linked to function. Structure, function and control of the cardiac, vascular and respiratory systems. Basic biomechanical principles.

Skill Acquisition

With continual links to practical examples, students will develop a fundamental psychological knowledge of the characteristics of skilful performance, classification of movement skills/abilities and knowledge of the development of skilful performance.
From this position, students will increasingly link psychological knowledge to performance and learn how individuals and teams develop.

Contemporary Studies in PE

Understanding and application of the concepts of play, leisure, recreation, sport and physical education. Sport and Culture. Issues surrounding the pursuit of excellence & mass participation including: the role of the media, drugs in sport, the
role of sporting agencies, ethical issues, violence and corruption.

Examination – One 2 hour exam

Coursework

Evaluating and planning for improvement in performance – a ‘viva voce’ examination to camera. Candidates will have the opportunity to prepare this piece of work – 10%

Demonstrations of technique and understanding in two different activity areas – 20%

Practical Activity Groups

Candidates follow two activities from two of ten different activity categories in Year 12 and must continue one of those activities into Year 13.

A2 Qualification Structure:
Exercise and Sports Physiology

The application of the following knowledge to improve physical performance:
Concepts of energy, energy production in the body, effects of exercise upon the body and the recovery process. Components of fitness and methods of fitness testing. Principles of training and methods and ethics of performance enhancement.

Historical Studies

How did sports begin? Popular recreative activities pre 1800, 19th century public school influences on sporting activities, rational recreative developments in competitive sport, 1870 onward. Developments in 20th century physical education.

Sports Psychology

Moving on from AS studies students will progress further into the realms of Sports Psychology and its links to performance. You will investigate areas such as personality, attitude, motivation, group/team dynamics, leadership aggression and audience
effects on performance.

Examination – One 2 ½ hour exam

Coursework

Observation and Analysis in the candidates chosen activity area – 10%

Effective Performance in a competitive situation in one activity – 20%

Entry requirements

You will be expected to be competing in regular fixtures/performances in at least one sporting activity from
the practical activities listed, either at school or at a local club. The minimum GCSE entry requirements are a Grade B in Biology or Additional Science and a Grade B in English Language. You are not required to have studied GCSE PE but it will provide you
with a sound foundation if you have and you will be expected to have achieved a minimum of a Grade B.

Future opportunities

This could lead to a range of career opportunities such as PE Teacher, sports psychologist, sports scientist,
leisure and recreation manager, sports administrator, physiotherapist, conditioning coach, performance analyst, sports development manager and fitness professional.

How to apply

If you want to apply for this course, you will need to contact Skipton Girls' High School directly.